Glossary
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TermDefinition
- General Nautical Terminology Baby StayAn inner forestay
- General Nautical Terminology Back
Back (backing) describes the wind’s change in direction when it shifts counterclockwise (anti-clockwise). For example, if the wind shifts from...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Back
To back a sail means to adjust it so that the wind blows on the opposite side from normal, causing the sail to push the boat in the opposite...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Back StayThe backstay runs from the top of the mast to the stern of the vessel. The backstay supports the mast and in some cases can be adjusted to change... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology BailTo remove water from the bilges or cockpit
- General Nautical Terminology BailerA utensil used to bail water out of a boat
- General Nautical Terminology BallA black signal shape displayed when a vessel is at anchor by day
- General Nautical Terminology BallastAdditional weight placed low in the hull to improve stability
- General Nautical Terminology BarA shallow area (shoal) close by a river mouth or harbour entrance or A measure of barometric pressure usually noted as 1000 millibars
- General Nautical Terminology Bare PolesNo sails are set and boat is driven by the force of the wind on the spars and rigging
- Courses, RYA Basic Sea Survival CertificateThe Basic Sea Survival Certificate course teaches life-saving techniques for emergencies at sea. Participants learn how to use life rafts, don... More Details
- General Nautical Terminology Bathing Platform
A bathing platform is a purpose-built area that sits at water level when the vessel is stopped. It allows easy access to and from the water. It...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology BattenStiff strip used to support the roach of a sail, enabling larger sail area and better shape.
- General Nautical Terminology Batten PocketA pocket on the leech of a mainsail to contain the batten
- Flag / Pennant, Signals & Communication Code Flag Bravo (B)
The International Maritime Signal Flag Bravo.
Meaning
I am taking in or discharging or carrying dangerous goods.
- General Nautical Terminology BeachTo run a vessel ashore deliberately
- General Nautical Terminology BeaconUsually lite, a fixed aid to navigation attached directly to the earth’s surface.
- General Nautical Terminology Beam
The widest part of a vessel, measured at its broadest point across the hull.The term beam is a fundamental concept in nautical terminology,...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Beam Reach
The point of sail where the wind is coming from directly abeam, or at a right angle to the boat's centreline.
A beam reach is one of the most...
More Details - General Nautical Terminology Bear AwayTo alter course away from the wind